RGS Boarding

A perfect morning for an icy plunge! 🥶🌼

This morning, our Year 11 Boarding cohort created our very own Daffodil Day Dip, taking the plunge in support of the Cancer Council.

Most importantly, an incredible $7,000 raised for a cause that touches so many families and communities.

Unbelievable effort from our Year 11s — plenty of courage, plenty of laughs and a wonderful example of our Boarders getting behind something that matters.

Very proud of this group. 💛

RGS BOARDING STAFF:
Ben Wright is a familiar face to the RGS community after his days on the stage as a student in school musicals and now you can find Ben in RGS Boarding!

✨How did your journey in Boarding start?
"From being at the Rocky Grammar since 2010 I was always aware of the boarding and how important it was to be a part of such a community. When I started Year 7, I was fortunate to make connections with many boarder to hear their stories and understand their backgrounds. Despite being a day student however, I only wanted to emulate this lifestyle, so I headed to college in Melbourne to get a glimpse of dorm life. Fortunately, after moving back from Melbourne, a position opened and I knew it was a sign and a calling to chase it."

✨What do you love most about Boarding?
"I’ve found that being a part of boarding isn’t just waking up and going to school together but it’s learning from one another and utilising different skills that compliment your own so we can grow as individuals. I particularly enjoy being a part of any event or excursion that is available as I do fully believe living through those experiences with your closest friends allow it to make the most of time regardless of our stay."

✨What do you enjoy when you are not working in Boarding?
"Outside of boarding I grow my passion for dance and music as I teach at the DMTA. This has been a passion for me all my life and I genuinely enjoy encouraging the kids to learn and grow their craft in all aspects of Dance and Music theatre. I was fortunate enough to promote this with some of our boarder boys as we came together to create a routine that we all thoroughly enjoyed."

✨What cartoon character would best reflect you and why?
"I feel that I relate to, and reflect with, the character of Aladdin most. Not only because of my similar upbringing but for how he strives to consistently live life to its fullest and how he is able to understand the troubles life will hold if you aren’t able to find friends and find in the midst of negativity and darkness that there is always a positive and a light."

RGS BOARDING STAFF:
We have a new face in RGS boarding this term - welcome to our new Gap student from Yorkshire, Jack Bennett:
✨ How did your journey in Boarding start?
"My journey here in boarding started amazingly with the boys in Wheatcroft (where I'm based) making my time here extremely easy. Getting along with everyone hasn't been difficult in the slightest and I can see my time here being great!"

✨ What do you love most about boarding?
"I love the sense of community that boarding gives the kids here. It constantly feels like one big family, which I cannot tell you enough how much I love it. Getting to spend time away from house with trips and fixtures only adds to the already great environment here."

✨ What do you enjoy when you are not working in Boarding?
"When I'm not working, I enjoy playing Footy, exploring new places around the area, eating great food and hanging out with my pals. I've got a great bunch of people around me and I'm always keeping busy with footy."

✨ What cartoon character would best reflect you and why?
"I'd say my cartoon character would be Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. I like to think I'm a happy chap, keen to get involved and always in a top mood. Being on the other side of the world for me is a really exciting thing to be doing - so I'm always in great spirits!"

Our whole Boarding Community are so, so proud of your achievements Ethan.

RGS BOARDING STAFF:
Former RGS student Gabby Macrae (RGS 2023) has returned to RGS, this time as a Girls Boarding Supervisor. Let's find out more about Gabby!
✨ How did your journey in Boarding start?
"Being a past student, I have always been familiar with boarding here at RGS, which I developed amazing friendships throughout the years. I have always enjoyed working with children, beginning with being a coach for Queensland Cricket and now entering my final years of my Occupational Therapy degree here in Rockhampton with a special interest in paediatrics. Beginning in Boarding has been an amazing opportunity, as it has not only enriched my knowledge but solidified my passions and love for helping children thrive in aspects of their lives."

✨ What do you love most about boarding?
"What I love most about boarding is the seeing the girls strive to do their best at what they love. This is underpinned in my values as being a role model and supporting them through challenges and achievements is truly special and rewarding. Walking into the boarding house and being greeted with genuine smiles is such a special feeling, knowing the impact and the connections I have made with the girls already."

✨ What do you enjoy when you are not working in Boarding?
"I love spending time with my family and friends, outdoors at the beach or walking, in the gym, playing cricket or spending time at my partner's property. When I’m not outside, I love cooking and painting – these activities allow me to have time to myself and to relax!"

✨ What cartoon character would best reflect you and why?
"I would say Dora the Explorer. I was obsessed with her growing up and loved seeing what her next adventure would be. Her friendliness and kind nature as well determination and ability to problem solve are qualities which I endeavour deeply. "

There is something special about watching young people discover what they are capable of when they step outside their comfort zone.
Our first group of RGS Year 9 boarders recently completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Adventurous Journey at Ritamada, where they spent time hiking, working together, solving problems and enjoying the great outdoors. Along the way, they learnt plenty about resilience, teamwork and themselves.
These experiences are about so much more than the destination. They build confidence, independence and friendships that will stay with our students long after the backpacks have been unpacked.
Congratulations to this first group on reaching such an important milestone in their Duke of Edinburgh journey. We look forward to seeing our second Year 9 group take on the same challenge in the coming weeks.
A sincere thank you to the Boarding staff who gave their time, energy and encouragement to make this experience possible. Opportunities like these simply don't happen without staff who are willing to invest so generously in the lives of our young people.

RGS BOARDING STAFF:
Tolson Loram is not only a familiar face in RGS Boarding, but you will also find him on the sidelines helping coach at school rugby league games. Let's find out more about Tolson:

✨How did your journey in Boarding start?
"My journey in boarding started in Term 2 with the school but I had started building relationships with boarders and their families over the last couple of years coaching rugby league at club level and at the school as well."

✨What do you love most about boarding?
"Building relationships with the boys as someone they can trust and just be a positive influence on them. Seeing them grow in confidence and strive to be better is awesome to see."

✨What do you enjoy when you are not working in Boarding?
"Outside of boarding I love coaching rugby league, going straight from the club season to the school season keeps me busy. Spending time with family and friends and having a good time."

✨What cartoon character would best reflect you and why?
"robably Michelangelo from ninja turtles. I am fairly laid back and like to have fun but ultimately, I really care about the people around me and would do anything for them."

The Christmas Spirit filled the RGS Spaceframe last weekend when the RGS Boarding community (proudly wearing their Christmas outfits) added a festive touch to their Christmas in July celebrations. Congratulations to the Year 6 - 8 girls boarders on topping the charts with their performance in the Christmas in July Talent Show and a special thanks to the RGS Food Services team for cooking up a festive feast! 🎄

"What's Cooking" at RGS Boarding next week!

RGS BOARDING STAFF:
Gap staff member Emily Spring arrived at RGS from South Africa earlier this year. Let's discover more about Emily's boarding journey:

✨ How did your journey in Boarding start?
"I’ve been part of the boarding world for as long as I can remember, as my dad is a Housemaster. Growing up in a boarding house gave me a real appreciation for the boarding community and lifestyle."

✨ What do you love most about boarding?
"The sense of community and the connections you make with the people around you are what I love most about boarding."

✨ What do you enjoy when you are not working in Boarding?
"When I’m not in Boarding, you’ll usually find me playing hockey or watching a beautiful sunset."

✨ What cartoon character would best reflect you and why?
"Mumble from Happy Feet! When I’m happy, I love to dance just like he does. He’s also a brave little penguin, and moving across the world has reminded me that I can be brave and take on new adventures too."